Hagel orders review of new medal

A new war medal designed to honor service members who exhibit extraordinary achievement away from the battlefield will be reviewed after an outcry from veterans and lawmakers who deemed its ranking too high.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced Tuesday that he would examine the Distinguished Warfare Medal, which was to rank higher than a Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

Production has been halted of the new medal, which would be given to those who operate unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly referred to as drones, or use other technology to help fight America’s wars or protect the homeland.

Pentagon press secretary George Little said Hagel ordered another look in light of concerns by lawmakers and veterans groups over the fact that the new medal was ranked above medals for those who served on the front line in harm’s way.

“He’s heard their concerns, he’s heard the concerns of others,” Little said of Hagel.

Many critics are not opposed to the new medal, per se.

“I think it reflects the way warfare has evolved the last 10 years. Certainly, the guys operating those platforms are doing things that are important,” said James Johnson, immediate past president of the San Diego Military Affairs Council. “I’m in favor of the award, but there’s no way it should be classified above Bronze Stars and Purple Hearts.”

Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced the new medal last month, making it the first new wartime award since the Bronze Star was created in 1944. In doing so, Panetta talked about the changing way in which wars are fought and even said the next Pearl Harbor could be a cyber attack.

But his message hasn’t resonated with many veterans and those in Congress who cannot fathom equating the contributions of those on the front lines with those sitting in front of a computer.

Some have gone as far as to deride the new award the “Nintendo” or “Xbox” medal.

“The DWM is widely viewed as an award that undermines all other valor awards and the reverence for service members who face the dangers of direct combat,” Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, said in a statement. “It’s a fact that those who are off the battlefield do not experience the same risks. Pretending they do devalues the courageous and selfless actions of others, who, during combat, do the unthinkable or show a willingness to sacrifice their own lives.”

Should Hagel want to demote the stature of the medal, he may also need to reduce the criteria for the award, said Jack Harkins, chairman of the United Veterans Council of San Diego County. Harkins said the criteria, that the service member must have performed an “extraordinary achievement,” is appropriate to its current place in the rankings.

“It’s not going to someone with the most kills Monday through Friday,” Harkins said. “This is going to someone with significant achievement toward winning a battle.”

In ordering a new look at the medal, Hagel said Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey would lead a review of how the medal is ranked among others, Little said. Hagel is going to work with Dempsey, the service secretaries and the service chiefs to review the ranking.

He wants Dempsey to report back in 30 days.

In addition to veterans’ concerns, there is a practical side to the rankings for currently serving troops. There are grades of medals — commendation, merit, distinguished — that affect not only the name but promotions for those still in uniform. Each grade gives troops a certain number of points needed for promotions.

The Bronze Star is given for merit and, when carrying a V device, acknowledges valor in combat. The Purple Heart, which ranks below the Bronze Star, is awarded to service members wounded or killed in action.

The review has bipartisan support. Rep. Susan Davis, D-San Diego, joined Hunter in expressing her support for Hagel’s decision.

“I am hopeful that he will realize that the appropriate place for the DWM will be under both the Bronze Star and Purple Heart,” Davis said in a statement.

Several local veterans leaders also support Hagel’s decision and feel the medal should be downgraded.

“I just don’t think you can compare being shot,” said Larry Blumberg, executive director of the San Diego Military Affairs Council. “The precedence of where it sits in the awards is what bothers me more than anything else.”

Added current San Diego Military Affairs Council President Earl Wederbrook: “I’m not saying it’s not a stressful job, but it’s not the same as the physical dangers involved in face-to-face combat.”